Tales from Titantown: From UWO to instant pro, Wisconsin Herd sales director, Kroll builds winning career

With top results across the league in ticket sales and revenue, Trevor Kroll '19, has earned multiple awards as director of group sales for the Wisconsin Herd, NBA basketball affiliate based in Oshkosh whose season begins Nov. 8.

Trevor Kroll, '19, director of group sales for the Wisconsin Herd-a basketball affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks- has caught the attention of the NBA G League and beyond. With four straight seasons ranked No. 1 across the league in ticket sales and revenue, he's been recruited by major franchises, including the Bucks and teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB. But instead of leaving for a bigger market, Kroll chose to stay close to home, building his career with the Herd at the Oshkosh Arena, just minutes from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Kroll's career path has been all about grit, hustle and quiet determination. And in 2021, when the Bucks captured the NBA Championship, he, too, earned a ring-just two years after his diploma.

As a student, Kroll, a marketing major with an emphasis in sales, first applied for a Herd sales internship but didn't get it because he lacked experience. Disappointed but undeterred, he offered to do anything just to get his foot in the door. He took a part-time job in the Herd's team store even though it paid less than the job he already had and he made himself indispensable by volunteering for early Saturday shifts and picking up every extra hour he could.

That persistence paid off. By his senior year, the Herd trusted his work ethic enough to slide him into a sales internship without even requiring a formal application.

From there, Kroll took off. While working just 20 hours a week while balancing his other job with UWO athletics, he outsold some of the team's full-time staff. The Herd quickly offered him a full-time role as an account executive before graduation.

In this Q & A, Kroll reflects on how his Titan experience helped him find his path, why he chose to stay loyal to Oshkosh when bigger opportunities came calling and how he's using basketball to create experiences that inspire the next generation.

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Was college something that you thought about?

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an NFL or NBA player. By high school, I knew becoming a pro wasn't realistic, but sports remained a huge part of my life. Although I grew up in Oshkosh, my decision to attend UW-Oshkosh was based on more than location. The business program's reputation for preparing students with hands-on experience drew me back each time I compared options.

Which classes stood out to you and why?

The classes that stood out most were the pre-business courses. They gave me a broad understanding of how different areas of business connect, which has been important in my current role.

The class that truly changed my trajectory was Bryan Lilly's Professional Sales Development program. I entered as a quiet, introverted student and discovered a passion for sales, communication and relationship-building. One memorable part was the "bell.. Every time a student used a filler word like "um" or "like," Bryan would ring it. It made us more intentional, built my confidence and set me on the path I'm on today.

You worked in the UWO athletics department as a student. What kinds of things did you do there and how did that hands-on experience shape your career direction?

On game days I was part of the setup crew for Titan Stadium, hauling pylons, lining up the chain gang and managing logistics. I also worked as a lead for the department in event management and by sophomore year was one of three student office workers assisting the athletic director and staff. Those responsibilities, from cold-calling for fundraising to handling admin tasks, gave me career direction and experience I still use today.

You've been ranked #1 across the NBA G League multiple times in ticket and revenue categories. How do you connect that drive for results back to your UWO days?

Ranking #1 in ticket sales for four straight seasons reflects the competitive mindset I carried from UWO. Whether in intramurals or academic projects, I always pushed to be my best. That drive keeps me striving to improve every season; I want to be viewed as the Michael Jordan or LeBron James of ticket sales.

At UWO, you were also involved in intramurals and student clubs. How do those experiences influence the way you work with schools and youth groups now?

Being involved in intramurals and student clubs at UW-Oshkosh taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. That perspective has carried over directly into how I work. When I'm building group outings, I'm not just selling tickets, I help create a moment that brings people together.

What advice would you give to current UWO students who dream of working in sports?

Get involved as early as you can. Join clubs, network, talk to new people. It may feel uncomfortable, but those experiences and relationships can set you apart. I remember the names of students who reach out; they stand out far more than the hundreds of others who wait until it's time to apply.

Think back to your freshman self. What advice would you give that first-year student and other young people who are considering coming to UW-Oshkosh?

For young people considering coming to UW-Oshkosh, the school, professors and experiences allowed me to chase my dream career directly as a graduate from Day 1. I would choose UW-Oshkosh again and would recommend it to anyone considering a career in any business field.

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